Multiple Projects, Hundreds of Callouts, and Routine Maintenance Highlight Busy Year for City Public Works
By Jeff Toquinto on March 19, 2023
It has been a busy year for the Bridgeport Public Works Department. And this past Monday, Director Tiny Grimes and Associate Engineer Jake Griffith broke down what has taken place in front of Bridgeport City Council.
As part of each department’s annual report, Grimes spoke to Council about a multitude of projects that have taken place – and some 
continuing to take place – this past year. The presentation was roughly 15 minutes long.
continuing to take place – this past year. The presentation was roughly 15 minutes long.
Grimes talked about work being done on a force main at Hinkle Lake, work on lift stations, the Foley Street sanitary sewer and storm water upgrade, installation of The Bridge restroom facility, installation of more than 100 water and sewer taps, more than 50 water line repairs, Valley Drive stormwater upgrade, North Street drain replacement, Jefferson Street stormwater improvements, State Street parking lot that added 14 spaces, Virginia Avenue trail bollards, creation of the nature trail at The Bridge, Main Street clock repair, and more.
The above work does not include the routine maintenance the department handles. Some of those items include work done by the beautification crew, snow removal, storm cleanup, concrete road markers and their maintenance and repair, sidewalk work, concrete road
repair, and several other items.
repair, and several other items.
The work is not just done during regular work hours. Grimes told Council Public Works had 256 call outs during 2022.
Grimes gave a shout out to Griffith in his role assisting the department on numerous items. However, he saved the bulk of the praise for his staff. Grimes pointed out that seven employees, who were recognized last year by Council, have a combined 145 years of service with the city.
Members of public works include Office Administrator Sharon Sparks, Lead Foreman Rick Moore, John Curtis, Jeff Grogg, Ernie Cottrill, Zach Owens, Esker Davis, Levi Kelley, Jason Kelley, DJ Knapp, Travis Busellman, Michael Cochran, Dalton Matheny, Terry Goff, Stephen Cain, Kevin Rogers, Mark Stutler, Tom Swiger, Weston Wright, Michael Yost, Jason Dinkelo, Trevor Shreaves, Scott Critchfield, and Eric Echard.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Richard "Tiny" Grimes giving the Public Works Department's annual report to City Council. Second photo shows staff handling one of many projects during 2022. Photo below shows the Public Works staff.
